Get good sound wherever you end up with the Tumi Travel Speaker ($125). The gunmetal table top speaker uses surfaces to amplify sound, creating "dynamic sounds and deep, rich bass tones on virtually any hard surface." Also comes with the requisite protective carrying case.
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If you care more about the safety of your cargo and less about the flashiness of your luggage, check out the Hideo Wakamatsu Tarpaulin Check-In Trolley ($225). Made from water- and shred-resistant tarpaulin, this 25-inch pull-behind — a smaller 19-inch version ($190) is also available — this lightweight bag sports dual exterior and interior zippered pockets, water repellent zippers, adjustable straps around the sides to accomodate larger loads, and silent running wheels to keep it from sounding like you're stepping on a mouse once every five feet, also known as "terminal squeal."
You might not know it from their typically modern, fabric-sided bags, but Tumi's been in the business for thirty-five years, and it's going back to the basics with the Tumi 35th Anniversary Collection ($300-$800). This original collection of leather bags includes a tote, an expandable duffel, a carry-on garment bag, a backpack, horizontal and vertical crossbodys, and a slim briefcase, all available in sienna and sometimes in traditional black. Classic and classy — just don't expect them to take the abuse of luggage handlers quite like their nylon siblings.
We somehow can't see the myriad security guards roaming our international airports being too happy about it, but you can now cruise past your fellow flyers aboard the Samsonite Micro Suitcase Scooter (£250; roughly $400). This crazy contraption converts from a carry-on bag or rucksack into a kickboard with front-mounted case thanks to an integrated running board, handlebars, and wheels. Layovers have never been so much fun. [Thanks, Ed]
Behold the awesome old school goodness of these vintage-printed, buttery-soft Homage T-Shirts. They turn back the clock with shout outs to eclectic moments and personalities in sports, music, politics and popular culture. From Bruce Lee to Larry Bird, the tees tell stories of triumph, individualism and hustle. Pay Homage.
Leave it to a laptop bag maker to come up with the ultimate carry-on. The hard-sided TravelTeq Trip ($800-$850) features plenty of compartments for your clothes, laptop, phone, and other gear, smooth-gliding wheels on legs that can extend out of the back of the case, a sliding top plate that serves as a stool, a telescoping handle, and even optional speakers to blare your protest rock in the middle of the TSA security line.
Our thanks to Gillette for sponsoring this month's travel gear articles.
Time to replace your aging, well-traveled luggage? Take a look at the new line of Tumi Vapor Collection ($400-$550). Available in four-wheel variants of the Extended Trip, Medium Trip, and International Carry-On cases, as well as a two-wheel version of the latter case for the traditionalists out there, these stylish, highly-distinctive cases are made from a triple-layer alloy of ABS and polycarbonate, making them extremely light while giving them the protective abilities of a heavier hard case. Perfect for your next trip, whether it's across the state or across the ocean.
Has your obsession with MLB caps gone past the typical bad hair day coverup to become a full-time, color-coordinated accessory? Pick yourself up one of these New Era Cap Carriers ($25-$50). Available in two-, six-, or 24-cap varieties, the carriers are made from either crush-proof neoprene or high-tensile strength nylon, ensuring that your beloved headwear will arrive looking as fresh as a cap straight from Jerry Ferrara's Entourage wardrobe.
Our thanks to Gillette for sponsoring this month's travel gear articles.
Hand-made in the USA, this limited edition Kenton Sorenson Dopp Kit ($135) is constructed of natural leather that'll age beautifully with use. A Cowboy-esque leather wrap-around tie closure also keeps the pricey kit open during use.
Our thanks to Gillette for sponsoring this month's travel grooming articles.
Good luggage doesn't have to cost a fortune. The Hideo Feather Carry-On Trolley ($190) is a fine example, with a lightweight, water-repellent nylon exterior, three outer zippered pockets, three mesh interior pockets, a zipper closure, and adjustable straps to hold everything in place. We recommend sticking with the green or red models, lest you need to adorn it in garish muti-colored straps to keep it standing out in the wilds that are baggage claim.
The large majority of us already carry around an alarm in our pockets — it's called a phone — but there are times when you might not want to drain your juice all night just so you can wake in the morning. The Wenger Traveler Pocket Alarm ($250) is a stylish, albeit expensive, solution, featuring a rugged brushed stainless steel case, luminous hands, numerals, and markers, date display, an integrated retractable stand, a second time zone indicator, an included silicone pouch, and... oh yeah, an alarm. [Thanks, Ron]
We've seen carbon fiber used in a myriad of different products over the years, but this might be the first time we've seen it employed in a flexible piece of luggage. The Carbon Fiber Airstream Duffle Bag ($285) is made from waterproof carbon fiber sailcloth, giving it a glossy, textured look, that's complemented by three gusseted zippered pockets, a lockable, wide mouth dual zipper main opening, an adjustable, removable shoulder strap, and a padded handle wrap. You won't have any trouble finding this one at the baggage claim, but you might make the guy rocking the gold-plated Samsonite a little jealous.
If you're lucky enough to afford the Coach Transatlantic Carry-On, you'd be seriously silly not to pick up the matching Coach Transatlantic Travel Kit ($130). In fact, you don't really need the matching duffel to enjoy the retro-style, glove-tanned leather, fabric lining, inner pockets, and zip-top closure with premium hardware — it just helps.
Our thanks to Gillette for sponsoring this month's travel grooming articles.